Science

What is AquaChar?

AquaChar™ is a proprietary, engineered carbon material — not standard aquarium charcoal. Built through a process we call Forged Carbon, it's designed to filter aquarium, pond, and hydroponic water more selectively and for longer than traditional activated carbon, while protecting the beneficial bacteria your ecosystem depends on.

How AquaChar Works

  1. Forged Carbon Process
    AquaChar's Forged Carbon is created through a proprietary, multi-stage process that transforms recycled hardwood into a hyper-porous carbon matrix. Unlike standard activated carbon (which is smooth-surfaced and simply traps everything indiscriminately), AquaChar's structure is hyper-porous and selective — filtering out what's harmful while protecting the beneficial bacteria your tank or pond relies on.
  2. Long-Term pH Buffering + Clarity
    AquaChar slowly releases hydroxides, stabilizing water chemistry without added chemicals. Its Forged Carbon structure captures clouding organics and micro-particles that other filters miss, keeping water clear naturally, for months at a time rather than days.
  3. Selective Filtration
    AquaChar's Forged Carbon removes toxins, tannins, and harmful bacteria — while protecting and preserving the beneficial bacteria that traditional carbon wipes out. It supports life instead of just filtering it.

Research & Testing

AquaChar has been independently verified by state-certified laboratories, leading universities, and peer-reviewed science — confirming both performance and safety.

Clean Water Testing LLC (State-Certified)

  • 100% removal of E. coli & coliform bacteria
  • 97.67% lead reduction in just 45 minutes
  • Significant reductions in glyphosate, arsenic, and phosphates

University of Miami — Mercury

  • Removed Hg²⁺ ions in under 10 minutes
  • No detectable mercury after treatment

University of Miami — Methane

  • Confirmed methane adsorption under controlled lab conditions
  • Potential to mitigate greenhouse gases alongside water purification

Iowa State University (SEM Analysis)

  • Verified AquaChar's unique heterogeneous, high-purity carbon microstructure
  • Engineered for maximum adsorption

Nature Nanotechnology (Peer-Reviewed Study)

  • Double-blind, randomized, controlled human clinical trial
  • Confirmed safety of AquaChar's material class at occupational exposure levels
  • No acute respiratory or cardiovascular harm

Water & Environmental Science

AquaChar's work extends beyond individual tanks and ponds — into real waterways, restoration projects, and the broader fight against water pollution.

AquaChar Receives Unanimous Approval in Coral Gables!

The City of Coral Gables voted unanimously to approve the AquaChar + OASIS water restoration proposal.

OASIS AQUABOT: Summary of Project Intentions, Process, and Goals

Our waterways may look clean, but beneath the surface they're quietly struggling with runoff pollution.

The Invisible Threat in Our Waterways—And What AquaChar Is Doing About It

Microplastics, mercury, and pesticides are often hidden threats in the water around us.

AquaChar Pilot: Healing Our Rivers and Reefs, One Microbe at a Time

Using AquaChar to boost fish health, water quality, and ecosystem resilience in real-world pilot programs.

Articles & Media

Real Hobbyists, Real Tanks, Real Results

Ongoing research, project updates, and educational deep-dives on AquaChar and the science behind clean water.